In response to the impact of Hurricane Helene, Tampa is providing Uber ride vouchers for residents to access resources at Comfort Stations. The Tampa Emergency Transportation Service offers up to $25 off two round-trip Uber rides to these stations for those affected by storm-related vehicle flooding.
Ahead of Tropical Storm Milton, the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County have announced the temporary closure of their Comfort Stations. The stations, which provide essential services such as mobile laundry, showers, electronic charging stations, food, water, and permitting assistance for repairs, will cease operations at 7 p.m. today until further notice.
Tampa residents and business owners affected by recent hurricanes are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance promptly. Homeowners and renters in Hillsborough County, along with other nearby counties, can seek disaster aid. This support includes home and business repairs, temporary housing, financial help due to displacement, personal property losses, and coverage for other uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses.
The City of Tampa is preparing for an upcoming severe weather event by opening sandbag sites for residents and business owners. On Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., individuals can fill sandbags at the Himes Avenue Complex (4501 S Himes Avenue) and Al Barnes Park (2902 N 32nd Street).
A man from Oviedo, Marvin Fredrick Wagner II, has been indicted on charges related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Wagner, aged 25, faces one count of attempted production of CSAM and one count of receipt of CSAM. If convicted, he could face a minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for the attempted production charge and at least five years for the receipt charge.
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the unsealing of an indictment against Alan Ellis Gillespie, Jr., a 31-year-old resident of Ocala. Gillespie is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison. He is currently detained while awaiting the outcome of his criminal case.
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the unsealing of an indictment against Elijah Noah Petit-Frere, a 24-year-old from Orlando. Petit-Frere is charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. If found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison. He is currently detained as the case proceeds.
The City of Tampa is set to expand its hurricane relief efforts by opening a third comfort station for residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. Starting Thursday, October 3, the new facility will be operational at the Gandy Civic Association, located at 4207 W Oklahoma Ave. The station will offer essential services from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, until October 17.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Tampa residents are focusing on recovery efforts. To support these communities, the Tampa Police Department has stepped up patrols in areas most affected by the storm.
Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee issued a statement following Iran's missile attack on Israel. The attack has prompted reactions from various political figures, including Rep. Lee.
United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg has announced the unsealing of an indictment against Steven Dennis Mack, a 40-year-old resident of Tampa, Florida. Mack faces eight counts related to the receipt of child sexual abuse material. If found guilty, he could receive a sentence ranging from five to twenty years in federal prison for each count.
There was one company in a city associated with Hillsborough County that received an FDA inspection in September, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Association.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the City of Tampa is providing assistance to residents whose properties were damaged. The city's Construction Services team will be present at multiple locations to address citizen inquiries. Residents, contractors, and subcontractors can visit "Pop-Up Permit Centers" at Marjorie Park Marina (97 Columbia Drive) and DeSoto Park (2617 Corrine Street) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the next two weeks.
The Tampa Police Department has announced the formation of the Chief’s Advisory Panel, a new initiative aimed at improving transparency, trust, and policing practices within Tampa. The panel is in accordance with Florida Statute 166.0486 and will review departmental policies and procedures to enhance police-community relations.
The Tampa Police Department has announced its participation in a statewide safety campaign to reduce serious injury and fatal traffic crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Institute for Police Technology and Management (IPTM) and The University of North Florida (UNF), will focus on educating citizens about Florida traffic laws related to pedestrian and bicycle safety.
The City of Tampa, in collaboration with Hillsborough County and the Florida Department of Emergency Management, has set up two Comfort Stations to support residents impacted by Hurricane Helene.
A federal jury has found Henry Troy Wade, 47, from Ocala, guilty of six counts of wire fraud. Wade faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 2025. A federal grand jury had returned an indictment against Wade on November 22, 2022.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Tampa is beginning the recovery process. Eleven Tampa Police officers and their families were displaced from their homes due to the storm.
The City of Tampa is reopening its emergency call center to aid in the recovery from Hurricane Helene. The call center will be operational today, September 30, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and tomorrow, October 1, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.